Your Health

Your Guide to Vegan Calcium Sources

plant based milk as vegan source of calcium

Whether you’re new to veganism or just curious about where vegans get calcium from without dairy products, you’ve come to the right place. Learn everything you need to know about calcium, what it is, and how to get calcium as a vegan.

 

What is Calcium?

 

Calcium is an essential mineral that our body needs to keep our bones strong and healthy. The main and most renowned source of calcium is milk, in addition to many other dairy products.

 

However, for those following a plant-based or vegan diet, dairy is off the cards. That’s why vegans may need to find an alternative source of calcium to support the maintenance of good bone health.

 

Why Do We Need Calcium?

 

Calcium is crucial for the maintenance of normal, healthy bones. As we age, it’s important to continue supporting bone health in order to stay strong and active. You can provide your body with the calcium it needs from a healthy, balanced diet, but you may wish to use vegan calcium supplements to boost your intake of this essential mineral.

 

How Much Calcium Do We Need?

 

The NHS suggests that adults need 700mg of calcium per day, which can be attained from a healthy, balanced diet.

 

For children and adolescents under 19, the amount of calcium needed per day will vary depending on age. See the chart below for the recommended daily amount of calcium from the British Dietetic Association:

 

Infants (under 1)  525mg 
Children (Aged 1-3)  350mg 
Children (Aged 4-6)  450mg 
Children (Aged 7-10)  550mg 
Adolescents (11-18) 

800mg (females) 

1000mg (males) 

 

Calcium Deficiency in Vegans

 

Those following a plant-based diet may find that their calcium levels are low due to consuming fewer dairy products. Calcium deficiency can lead to weaker bones that can be more susceptible to fractures. It can also lead to the development of osteoporosis later in life.

 

There are plenty of vegan calcium sources that you can add to your plant-based diet, from fortified plant-based milks to dried fruit. Read on to discover where vegans can get calcium from.

 

woman preparing leafy greens as vegan source of calcium

 

Vegan Sources of Calcium

 

It is still possible for vegans to get calcium through a plant-based diet without consuming dairy products. Check out the list of foods below that are great vegan sources of calcium.

 

1. Fortified plant-based milk

 

Check the labelling on plant-based milk cartons for added calcium. Soya milk, rice milk, almond milk, and oat milk are often fortified with calcium and will provide your body with a boost of this essential mineral.

2. Plant-based yoghurts

 

With the increase in demand for plant-based foods, you’ll find plenty of dairy-free yoghurts readily available that have been fortified with calcium. Again, check the label to see if there’s added calcium in your chosen coconut or soya yoghurt.

 

3. Green, leafy vegetables

 

Kale, spinach, okra, pak choi, and broccoli are just a few green veggies that you can consume to boost your calcium intake and are a fantastic vegan source of calcium.

 

4. Dried fruit

 

Dried fruit, such as raisins, figs and prunes, will provide your body with a convenient boost in calcium. It’s also found in fresh fruits, such as kiwi, blackberries, and tangerines.

 

5. Pulses and Beans

 

They may be small, but pulses and beans pack a punch with the abundance of health benefits they can provide. Soya beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils are a fantastic vegan calcium source – no wonder they are known as superfoods!

 

6. Bread

 

You may be surprised to hear that bread is a great vegan source of calcium. The flour used to produce bread is often fortified with calcium, making this plant-based carb the perfect addition to your vegan diet.

 

7. Vitamin D

 

We know this isn’t a typical source of calcium, but the ‘sunshine vitamin’ plays an essential role in how much calcium we absorb. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphate in our bones, helping to keep them strong and healthy.

 

It can be harder for us to get enough vitamin D during winter, so you may wish to incorporate supplements into your routine to boost your vitamin D levels. Check out our range of vegan vitamin D supplements below:

 

 

Calcium Supplements for Vegans

 

If you have a healthy, balanced vegan diet, you may already be getting enough calcium from the foods you eat. However, to ensure that you are getting the amount of calcium your body requires, you may consider taking calcium supplements for vegans.

 

Organics Plant Calcium is a targeted nutrient blend made from whole foods. Containing plant-sourced magnesium, vegan vitamin D3 and vitamin K2, these vegan calcium supplements are formulated with fresh fruit and vegetables to support healthy bones.

 

 

Compressing calcium-rich foods into an easily digestible plant-sourced supplement, the Organics Plant Calcium supports an active lifestyle and helps to maintain strong, healthy bones.

 

Browse our full range of calcium supplements here.

 

 

Get the lowdown on what other supplements vegans should take to support and maintain optimal health in this article:

 

What Supplements Should Vegans Take?

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What Supplements Should Vegans Take?

Support your health and wellbeing with these vegan supplements.

2021-03-01 10:05:04By Garden of Life



Garden of Life

Garden of Life

Writer and expert